Former President Barack Obama found himself in hot water after criticizing the Trump administration at Hamilton College, as Twitter users quickly reminded him of issues from his own presidency. The former president specifically mentioned Trump’s ban on the Associated Press and his punishment of major law firms. Twitter users responded by bringing up controversies from Obama’s presidency, such as DOJ actions against journalists.
Obama’s Critique of Trump Administration
During his appearance at Hamilton College, former President Barack Obama launched into a critique of the Trump administration, suggesting a double standard exists in how Republican actions are judged versus Democratic ones. Obama specifically highlighted what he characterized as concerning behaviors by the current administration, including punitive measures against major law firms and media outlets. His comments appeared designed to highlight perceived hypocrisy among Republicans who support Trump while claiming to defend traditional American values and democratic norms.
Obama posed a hypothetical question that formed the centerpiece of his critique, asking his audience to imagine the reaction if he had taken similar actions during his presidency. “Imagine if I had pulled Fox News’ credentials from the White House press corps,” he said, adding that Republicans currently silent about Trump’s actions would never have tolerated similar behavior from him or previous Democratic presidents. He also mentioned Trump allegedly barring The Associated Press for not using the term “Gulf of America,” a comparison intended to highlight what Obama views as unprecedented media restrictions.
Barack Barry Hussein Soetero Obama What's His Name from Kenya, Indonesia, Hawaii or Wherever…. Bashes Trump Saying 'What if I had Done Any of This?' – Gets Major Reminders From Twitter/X Users https://t.co/U3x4fNLg5H #gatewaypundit
— Kelly (@KLSouth) April 6, 2025
Social Media Pushback Highlights Obama-Era Controversies
The former president’s remarks quickly drew sharp rebuttals on social media, where users responded by cataloging controversial actions from Obama’s own administration. Critics asserted that Obama’s presidency was far from the scandal-free tenure that some supporters claim, pointing to specific incidents that undermined his position as a defender of press freedom and constitutional norms. These responses suggest that many conservatives view Obama’s criticism as hypocritical given his own record in office.
Among the most frequently cited examples was the Obama Justice Department’s treatment of Fox News correspondent James Rosen, whom the DOJ labeled a “criminal co-conspirator” in a leak investigation, allowing them to monitor his phone records and emails. Critics also highlighted the administration’s seizure of Associated Press phone records in 2013 during another leak investigation, an action that journalism organizations condemned as an unprecedented intrusion into press freedom and reporters’ ability to protect sources.
Let's remember that someone new comes along that has to salvage what you did Barry. Watch where you point that finger… https://t.co/KNyNfUMAZh
— Amen Oneill (@oneil_alen) April 8, 2025
Additional Obama-Era Controversies Resurface
Social media users further countered Obama’s criticism by recalling the IRS targeting controversy, where conservative groups faced heightened scrutiny when applying for tax-exempt status. Others mentioned allegations that the Obama administration authorized surveillance of the Trump campaign during the 2016 election, referencing investigations that led to the FISA warrant against Carter Page. The drone strike that killed American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki without due process was also raised as an example of executive overreach during Obama’s presidency.
“That kind of behavior is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans.” Former President Barack Obama
Perhaps most pointedly, critics referenced allegations that Obama’s administration participated in what they described as a coordinated effort to portray then-candidate Trump as a Russian agent, citing the origins of the Russia investigation and subsequent special counsel probe. These responses collectively suggest that despite Obama’s continued popularity among Democrats, his record remains a point of significant contention for conservatives who view his criticism of Trump through the lens of what they perceive as similar or worse actions during his own tenure in office.